If you are looking for a dish that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors, this Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. The tender salmon, kissed by the flames of the grill, pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy Dijon mustard sauce. It’s a meal that feels both fancy and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve friends. Once you try this recipe, the harmonious blend of fresh dill, garlic, and lemon-infused sauce will make it a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor. Each one plays a key role in adding texture, balancing tastes, or brightening the dish with color.
- Fresh Salmon fillets: Wild-caught is best for a richer, deeper flavor and firmer texture.
- Olive Oil: Helps the salmon grill perfectly without sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon and balances the sauce.
- Pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Dijon Mustard: The tangy, sharp backbone of the sauce that gives this recipe its distinctive zest.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that mellows the mustard’s bite.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and a refreshing citrus tang.
- Minced Garlic: Brings aromatic depth and subtle pungency to the sauce.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Adds a lovely herbaceous note, perfectly complementing the salmon’s richness.
How to Make Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel — this helps the olive oil stick better and ensures the skin crisps up on the grill. Brush both sides evenly with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper to create a flavorful crust once grilled.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Whisk these ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This mustard sauce is the star complement that adds brightness and richness to every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the Dijon mustard sauce over the top. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors can soak into the fish, making every forkful deeply tasty.
Step 4: Preheat and Oil Your Grill
Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grates. This step ensures your salmon won’t stick and helps develop those gorgeous grill marks that make the dish so visually appealing.
Step 5: Grill the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill first. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp nicely. Carefully flip the fillets and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Serve with Remaining Sauce
Transfer the perfectly grilled salmon to a serving platter, drizzle with the remaining Dijon mustard sauce, and garnish with fresh dill for a pop of color and herbaceous fragrance.
How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs are the classic choice, adding a fresh, herbal lift. For extra zest, sprinkle a little lemon zest or add thinly sliced green onions to enhance the dish’s brightness and presentation.
Side Dishes
This salmon is fantastic alongside light and vibrant sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed greens salad. The creaminess of the sauce pairs beautifully with vegetables that offer crunch or earthiness, creating a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner setting, serve the salmon over a bed of wild rice or quinoa mixed with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts. Another idea is to plate the fish with a swirl of sauce beneath it for a restaurant-style look that elevates any dinner occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled salmon and the sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the salmon’s texture and keeps the sauce fresh for later use.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to preserve flavor and moisture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon slowly in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying it out. Reheat the Dijon mustard sauce on the stovetop, stirring gently to bring it back to a smooth consistency without separating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon works beautifully in this recipe, firm white fish like cod or halibut can also be delicious with Dijon mustard sauce, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. This keeps the sauce creamy and luscious without compromising flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist inside. Avoid overcooking to preserve the delicate texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The Dijon mustard sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld even more deeply.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the salmon in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The sauce will still shine regardless of cooking method.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe a try will quickly turn you into a believer of effortless, flavorful meals that feel special. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the richness of salmon with a bright, creamy sauce that complements every bite. I can’t wait for you to taste this dish and add it to your favorites rotation — happy cooking!
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Grilled Salmon with Dijon Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and elegant grilled salmon recipe featuring a tangy Dijon mustard sauce with fresh herbs and garlic. Perfectly grilled to retain moisture and flavor, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 fillets Fresh Salmon (wild-caught recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for grilling)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)
Dijon Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill (can swap with parsley or tarragon)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides evenly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make Mustard Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the prepared mustard sauce over them. Ensure the fillets are coated evenly. Allow them to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the salmon from sticking and to achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Grill Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down onto the grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them to form a nice crust. Flip the fillets carefully and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining mustard sauce over the top and garnish with additional fresh dill for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best taste and quality.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Ensure the grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking and to help produce grill marks.
- Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes but not more than 20 to avoid overpowering the fish.
